World of Warcraft: Bigger Than Belgium

Occasionally, Activision-Blizzard likes to remind us that a lot of people play World of Warcraft. Like this morning, when the company sent out a press release announcing that the total number of WoW subscribers has surpassed the population of the European nation of Belgium. There are now over 12 million people in the WoW-verse, with a a new influx of people signing up after the recent release of the "Wrath of the Lich King" expansion in China. Belgium's population is a paltry 10 million.

“The support and enthusiasm that gamers across the world continue to show for World of Warcraft reaffirms our belief that it offers one of the best entertainment values available today,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment in the statement. “We are as committed as ever to taking the game to new heights, and we look forward to demonstrating that with Cataclysm in December.”

The main exports of Belgium are automobiles, food products, iron and steel, finished diamonds, textiles, plastics, petroleum products and nonferrous metals. World of Warcraft's main exports include Warlocks, message board whining and sweaty gym socks.

"As a nation, we could totally kick World of Warcraft's ass," Albert II, the King of Belgium, did not say. "I don't care if they have a bunch of magic swords or whatever. That's just pretend! We're a real country." He did not add.